Formation fluid sampling module

ABSTRACT

A formation fluid sampling module including a body having an interior, a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, and a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface. The second end extends radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe. A pump is arranged in the interior. The pump includes a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.

BACKGROUND

In the resource exploration and recovery industry, samples of formation fluids may be taken at various phases of wellbore operations. A sampling module may be incorporated into a tubular string. The sampling module includes a first pump coupled to a first sample inlet and a second pump connected to a second sample inlet. Typically, the second sample inlet extends radially outwardly of, and about, the first sample inlet. The first sample inlet is receptive to a core or main sample and the second sample inlet is receptive to a perimeter sample. Contaminates are isolated to the perimeter sample. The first and second pumps are independently controllable and operated to isolate contaminated fluid into the second or perimeter sample inlet in order to produce a more focused or more pure core sample.

The need for two-independently controllable pumps increases an overall size and complexity of the sampling module. Increased complexity may lead to an increase in maintenance intervals that may necessitate a need to maintain a larger spare parts inventory. The larger footprint of the two pumps increases packaging challenges for the sampling module. Specifically, the use of two pumps may take away space that could be made available to other systems and/or control options for the sampling module. Therefore, the art would be receptive to a less complicated system that may be incorporated into a smaller package.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a formation fluid sampling module including a body having an interior, a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, and a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface. The second end extends radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe. A pump is arranged in the interior. The pump includes a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.

Also disclosed is a resource recovery and exploration system including a first system, and a second system connected with the first system. The second system includes a formation fluid sampling module having a body including interior, a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, and a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface. The second end extends radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe. A pump is arranged in the interior. The pump includes a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.

Further disclosed is a method of sampling formation fluids including activating a pump to receive a first fluid sample, and obtaining a second fluid sample radially outwardly of the first fluid sample with the pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 depicts a resource exploration and recovery system including a sampling module, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic representation of the sampling module of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

A resource exploration and recovery system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 10, in FIGS. 1-2. Resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood to include well drilling operations, resource extraction and recovery, CO₂ sequestration, and the like. Resource exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first system 14 which, in some environments, may take the form of a surface system 16 operatively and fluidically connected to a second system 18 which, in some environments, may take the form of a downhole system. First system 14 may include fluid storage 20, pumps 21 and a control system 23 that may provide power to, monitor, communicate with, and/or activate one or more downhole operations as will be discussed herein.

Second system 18 may include conveyance system 30 that is extended into a wellbore 34 formed in formation 36. A casing 38 may extend along wellbore 34 into formation 36. Of course, it should be understood that wellbore 34 may also be devoid of a casing. In accordance with an exemplary aspect, conveyance system 30 supports a formation fluid sampling module 44.

Referring to FIG. 2, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, formation fluid sampling module 44 includes a body 50 having an outer surface 52 and an interior 56. Body 50 includes a first or probe 60, a second or pump portion 62 and a third or reservoir portion 64. It should be appreciated that the relative size, orientation, sequence, number of instances, and geometry of probe portion 60, pump portion 62, and reservoir portion 64 may vary.

31 Probe portion 60 includes a first probe 68 including a first sampling port 70 and a second probe 72 having a second sampling port 74. Second sampling port 74 is arranged radially outwardly of, and about, first sampling port 70. In this manner, first sampling port 70 captures a first or central fluid sample and second sampling port 74 captures a second or perimeter fluid sample. First probe 68 includes a first end 76, a second end 78 that terminates at first sampling port 70 and an intermediate portion (not separately labeled) extending therebetween. Second probe 72 includes a first end section 80, a second end section 82 that terminates at second sampling port 74, and an intermediate portion (also not separately labeled) extending therebetween.

Pump portion 62 houses a pump 86 having a first primary pumping chamber 89 and a second primary pumping chamber 90. Pump 86 also includes a first perimeter pumping chamber 92 and a second perimeter pumping chamber 93. In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, each pumping chamber pair, e.g., first primary pumping chamber 89/first perimeter pumping chamber 92 and second primary pumping chamber 90/second primary pumping chamber 93, may include a selectively adjustable pumping volume. That is, pump 86 may include one or more alternately diametered pistons and/or housings (not separately labeled) that may adjust a volume of one, another or both of first and second primary pumping chambers 89 and 90 and first and second perimeter pumping chambers 92 and 93.

A first piston 94 is arranged in first primary pumping chamber 89, a second piston 99 may be arranged in second primary pumping chamber 90 and first perimeter pumping chamber 92 and a third piston 100 may be arranged in second perimeter pumping chamber 93. First, second, and third pistons, 94, 99, and 100may be connected to a controller 104 which, in turn, may be coupled to control system 23. Control system 23 may provide power and control signals to pistons 94, 99 and 100 through controller 104. In addition, formation fluid sampling module 44 may also include control modules (not shown) that selectively control probe portion 60, pump portion 62, and reservoir portion 64.

Controller 97 may receive signals from control system 23 to selectively shift piston 94 within first and second pumping chambers 89 and 91 to draw in first and second fluid samples from corresponding ones of first and second sampling ports 70 and 74. First primary pumping chamber 89 and second primary pumping chamber 90 are fluidically connected to a first check valve system 104 which, in turn, is fluidically connected to first end 76 of first probe 68 and to primary pump outlet 110. First perimeter pumping chamber 92 and second perimeter pumping chamber 93 are fluidically connected to a second check valve system 106 which, in turn, is fluidically connected to first end section 80 of second probe 72 and to perimeter pump outlet 112. First and second check valve systems 104 and 106 regulate a pumping sequence for first and second probes 68 and 72 in order to obtain selected main and perimeter samples.

Reservoir portion 64 houses a first sampling reservoir 115 and a second sampling reservoir 116. First sampling reservoir 115 includes a first valve 118 and second sampling reservoir 116 includes a second valve 119. First and second valves 118 and 119 are fluidically connected to first pump outlet 110 through a first conduit 121, Reservoir portion 64 also houses a third sampling reservoir 130 and a fourth sampling reservoir 131. Third sampling reservoir 130 includes a third valve 133 and fourth sampling reservoir 131 includes a fourth valve 134. Third and fourth valves 133 and 134 are fluidically connected to second pump outlet 112 through a second conduit 136. Formation fluid in conduit 121 may exit reservoir portion 64 into wellbore 34 through a valve 137 and out through a primary exit port 138, and perimeter fluid in second conduit 136 may exit reservoir portion 64 into wellbore 34 through a perimeter exit port 139. It should be appreciated that the number of sampling reservoirs could vary. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments provide a pump and check valve system that can capture and separately store both main and perimeter formation fluid samples.

Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

Embodiment 1: A formation fluid sampling module comprising a body including an interior, a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, the second end extending radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe, and a pump arranged in the interior, the pump including a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 2: The formation fluid sampling module according to any prior embodiment, wherein the piston includes a first piston portion arranged in the first pumping chamber and a second piston portion arranged in the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 3: The formation fluid sampling module according to any prior embodiment, further comprising a first check valve system fluidically connected to the first pumping chamber and a second check valve system fluidically connected to the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 4: The formation fluid sampling module according to any prior embodiment, further comprising at least one first sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the first check valve system and at least one second sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the second check valve system.

Embodiment 5: The formation fluid sampling module according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one first sampling reservoir includes a first sampling reservoir and a second sampling reservoir and the at least one second sampling reservoir includes a third sampling reservoir and a fourth sampling reservoir.

Embodiment 6: The formation fluid sampling module according to any prior embodiment, wherein the first pumping chamber includes a first selectively controllable volume and the second pumping chamber includes a second selectively controllable volume.

Embodiment 7: A resource recovery and exploration system comprising a first system, a second system connected with the first system, the second system including a formation fluid sampling module comprising a body including interior, a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, the second end extending radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe, and a pump arranged in the interior, the pump including a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 8: The resource recovery and exploration system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the piston includes a first piston portion arranged in the first pumping chamber and a second piston portion arranged in the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 9: The resource recovery and exploration system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising a first check valve system fluidically connected to the first pumping chamber and a second check valve system fluidically connected to the second pumping chamber.

Embodiment 10: The resource recovery and exploration system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising at least one first sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the first check valve system and at least one second sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the second check valve system.

Embodiment 11: The resource recovery and exploration system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one first sampling reservoir includes a first sampling reservoir and a second sampling reservoir and the at least one second sampling reservoir includes a third sampling reservoir and a fourth sampling reservoir.

Embodiment 12: The resource recovery and exploration system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the first pumping chamber includes a first selectively controllable volume and the second pumping chamber includes a second selectively controllable volume.

Embodiment 13: A method of sampling formation fluids comprising activating a pump to receive a first fluid sample, and obtaining a second fluid sample radially outwardly of the first fluid sample with the pump.

Embodiment 14: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein activating the pump includes reciprocating a piston in a first pumping chamber to receive the first fluid sample and a second pumping chamber to obtain the second fluid sample.

Embodiment 15: The method of any prior embodiment, selectively controlling a first volume of the first pumping chamber and a second volume of the second pumping chamber to obtain a first desired amount of the first fluid sample and a second desired amount of the second fluid sample.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should further be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).

The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A formation fluid sampling module comprising: a body including an interior; a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface; a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, the second end extending radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe; and a pump arranged in the interior, the pump including a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.
 2. The formation fluid sampling module according to claim 1, wherein the piston includes a first piston portion arranged in the first pumping chamber and a second piston portion arranged in the second pumping chamber.
 3. The formation fluid sampling module according to claim 1, further comprising: a first check valve system fluidically connected to the first pumping chamber and a second check valve system fluidically connected to the second pumping chamber.
 4. The formation fluid sampling module according to claim 3, further comprising: at least one first sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the first check valve system and at least one second sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the second check valve system.
 5. The formation fluid sampling module according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first sampling reservoir includes a first sampling reservoir and a second sampling reservoir and the at least one second sampling reservoir includes a third sampling reservoir and a fourth sampling reservoir.
 6. The formation fluid sampling module according to claim 1, wherein the first pumping chamber includes a first selectively controllable volume and the second pumping chamber includes a second selectively controllable volume.
 7. A resource recovery and exploration system comprising: a first system; a second system connected with the first system, the second system including a formation fluid sampling module comprising: a body including interior; a first probe including a first end arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface; a second probe including a first end section arranged in the interior and a second end exposed at the outer surface, the second end extending radially outwardly of and about the second end of the first probe; and a pump arranged in the interior, the pump including a first pumping chamber including a first inlet fluidically connected to the first end, a second pumping chamber including a second inlet fluidically connected to the first end section and a piston operatively associated with each of the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber.
 8. The resource recovery and exploration system according to claim 7, wherein the piston includes a first piston portion arranged in the first pumping chamber and a second piston portion arranged in the second pumping chamber.
 9. The resource recovery and exploration system according to claim 7, further comprising: a first check valve system fluidically connected to the first pumping chamber and a second check valve system fluidically connected to the second pumping chamber.
 10. The resource recovery and exploration system according to claim 9, further comprising: at least one first sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the first check valve system and at least one second sampling reservoir arranged in the interior and fluidically connected to the second check valve system.
 11. The resource recovery and exploration system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one first sampling reservoir includes a first sampling reservoir and a second sampling reservoir and the at least one second sampling reservoir includes a third sampling reservoir and a fourth sampling reservoir.
 12. The resource recovery and exploration system according to claim 7, wherein the first pumping chamber includes a first selectively controllable volume and the second pumping chamber includes a second selectively controllable volume.
 13. A method of sampling formation fluids comprising: activating a pump to receive a first fluid sample; and obtaining a second fluid sample radially outwardly of the first fluid sample with the pump.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein activating the pump includes reciprocating a piston in a first pumping chamber to receive the first fluid sample and a second pumping chamber to obtain the second fluid sample.
 15. The method of claim 14, selectively controlling a first volume of the first pumping chamber and a second volume of the second pumping chamber to obtain a first desired amount of the first fluid sample and a second desired amount of the second fluid sample. 